Starting the Year Off Right: Communicating with Parents

27 July 2014

OK...this is a long one. Communicating with parents is one of the hardest (if not THE hardest) aspect of our job. Each and every day, the light of someone's entire world walks into our classroom doors. It is only natural that we keep them informed of what is going on in our room and with their child.

With that being said, it is
something that I struggle with each year. Keeping 30+ students’ parents
informed of the goings on in class is challenging to say the least. But
there are some things that I have done to at least try to keep the lines of communication open. Here are a few ideas for you that I use in my classroom.Communication MagnetsOn the first day of school, I
send home a packet of information about my classroom. In that packet is
a magnet with my name, room number, school phone, classroom website,
and my email address. This magnet has a little letter accompanying it
asking the parents to place this on the refrigerator for the entire
year. Even if it is just to remember my name, the magnet helps the
parents to feel comfortable contacting me. I made my magnet using the
business card sized magnets you can buy at your local office supply
store and my computer. It was fairly simple to create, yet has a
tremendous impact on my year.Welcome PacketAs I mentioned above, I also send home a welcome packet with all of the information that the parents could possibly need in order to really understand my classroom. In this packet, I include a welcome letter, information about my discipline policy (classroom economy actually), a heads up to the daily planner and weekly folders that will go home, permission forms for checking out my library books, a volunteer form, etc... Basically, everything that they will need to feel confident and comfortable as a parent in my room. Here are the letters that I send home. They are editable (in Word) for you to customize to your own classroom.

The most effective way I
have found to keep the parents informed is by sending out a Weekly
Report. I have created a form, which I use each and every week in my
class, that is basically a “check and circle” type of form. I note the
behavior, academic progress, and any areas of need each week and send it
home. Even in my classes of 36 students, I was able to get these done
and sent home. The parents become accustomed to looking for it, and the
students become accustomed to getting it signed and discussed with their
parents. The best part of it is that I NEVER have a parent who is
“surprised” come report card time. The Weekly Report basically keeps
them in the know of all things regarding their child. You can get the Weekly Report form I created {free} here. Tell Me About Your ChildOne of the most effective
ways I have found to get to know my students better is by enlisting the
help of their parents. At Back to School Night I place a little
brainstorm bubble on the desks of the students. As the parents sit
there, I ask them to fill it in with anything they wish me to know about
their child. This truly has opened my eyes about the little learners
sitting in my classroom. But a side effect is that the parents then know
that I care about their child as a CHILD. It helps to put them at ease
when the person who represents their entire world is sitting in my
classroom for ¼ of the day. They are then more apt to work with me
because I showed I cared. Here is the {free} document that I use for this. So there you have it…four
simple ways that I have used to try and keep the flow of communication
between the parents and myself going throughout the year. What have you
done in your room that has been effective?

Looking for even more ideas for back to school time?? Some of my upper grade friends have some great ideas that I know you will just love! Click on any of the links below to visit some amazing blogs :)

What an awesome blog post - thank-you so much for the free template. I love the idea of the magnets - I'm off to design my own right now! :)

To keep parents informed, I send home a weekly newsletter on Fridays with important information for the following week. I also send home a calendar of the month's tests and quizzes for the parents to post on their fridge. No more surprise math tests!

Also, as a positive classroom management tool, students in my classroom can earn a "good e-mail" - if they do something praise-worthy (work diligently, go above and beyond, are exceptionally kind to a classmate) I send a quick e-mail to their parents, filled with nothing but "good news." The parents love hearing about their child at school and the kids are very motivated to earn one. A win-win!

I send home a monthly calendar. On the front side, I have the calendar with all the important dates and things that are coming soon. On the back, I have the behavior log that is marked daily if student's have difficulty. I also give them my phone number so I can answer questions easily. I dislike talking on the phone because I feel like I talk all day long! LOL Fingers crossed!

I send an email each Monday telling the parents the homework for the week, the tests/quizzes that are coming up, and any general school information they might like/need to know. It keeps them informed about class and gives them an easy way to get with me if they have any questions - they just have to reply to the email. :)~Amanda from His and Her Hobbies

I started sending out magnets with my name, phone, and email last year (thanks to your post) and my parents loved it! I also included the number to the front office so that they could have all the important numbers in one place.

To keep parents updated on grades, I send out a grade report every two weeks. This is (thankfully) computer generated by our grading software, and lists each assignment along with subject averages. I highlight low or missing grades and have the parents sign and return it with their student. I also write in any behavior comments. Since I started doing this, I have had no parent complaints about lack of communication and have seen an increase in completion of missing/low work.

I also give parents business cards w/magnets that have my contact info on them during Open House, as well as sending home weekly newsletters and emails (for those students who magically lose the newsletter between the classroom and home).

I send home a weekly check-in letting parents know about student's work habits and behavior throughout the week. It's simple to check a few boxes and leave a comment or two if needed. Parents then sign the check-in and students return it to me Monday morning

Thanks for the circle map - I've used that before. I start interacting with my parents before they ever enter fifth grade. I make a point to be part of the school community (and it's a small school - only 2 sections per grade level) so that I meet parents a few years before theirkids are in my class. This helps because I have a trusting relationship from day one. I also use something similar to your weekly form called our behavior card. The front has a place for any missing homework assignments (filled out throughout the week - I cross it out if it's turned in) and a place for me to write a note about behavior...typically a positive one! If a child is acting in inappropriate ways, I sometimes have THEM write the note to their parents. As the year goes on we also add a goal. On the backside is all the main I can statements from the week. The kids rate where they are and answer a few random self-assessment questions. :) Parents sign and it's turned in by Tuesday. The whole thing is simple and effective.

Thank you for the files! I have a weekly newsletter that I send home with what we are studying in each subject, a "calendar of events", including tests and next week's upcoming events, and other special information.

I do a weekly homework newsletter that lets parents know what special events are happening this week, what we are learning about/working on, has samples of student art/writing... The children take the weekly newsletter home in a duotang on Monday, complete their part, and return it on Friday.-LisaGrade 4 Buzz

I used Remind 101 last year. They changed the name to just Remind. It's a way to text parents without giving your phone number out! I only had about 5 parents sign up, so my goal this year is to get much more!

we use Schoology (like facebook, for education!) in our school, so my team has a site where we put all communication to parents. we have 1-1 ipads in our school, so students/parents rarely have an excuse of not knowing the information!

This year, I'm changing schools so, things are a little still out in the open. I'm getting new ideas from blogs to change things up just a little. I know some of the things I have done things in the past and will continue to use are: Remind (use to be Remind 101) to send weekly texts to parents, postcards for Parent Teacher Conferences (once a quarter), a Parent Reading Survey (about their child & another about their habits in Reading), Class Dojo, and of course, emails :) Another idea I found that I want to try out is have each parent write their address on an envelope at Meet the Teacher Night. I want to mail each week or every two weeks, 1-2 letters to parents letting them know how great their student is doing.

To build community in my classroom, I have monthly "socials" at the park. Sometimes it's bring your own food, other times I'll provide something or a snack but it's always a low key way to connect with families outside of school. This year I'm also using my class web page, Instagram, and weekly emails/newsletters as well as continuing to contact 1-2 parents weekly just to check in with positive reports on their kids.

This is something that I need to get better at! I'm hoping to be able to do maybe an email update. I'm busy brainstorming because I have a reading class, math class and then our homerooms rotate through and I'll be social studies teacher for our 5th grade. Thanks for the tips!StephSimple Insights

I send out a weekly newsletter with the upcoming topics in my room along with any special announcements. I also use Remind101 to keep my parents informed of upcoming tests or project due dates. Anything that I want to get out directly to parents I use Remind because sometimes parents can get busy and things like project due dates slip their minds! Love it!

I send out a monthly Curriculum newsletter to inform the parents of big upcoming dates and to give them a break-down of what we are working on in each subject. I also send out weekly emails each Sunday night to give parents an update on the week ahead (mostly just for dates and student reminders).

First year teacher here! I am so excited to work with parents! I teach 5th grade at a middle school that starts in 5th grade! Since students are at a new building for the first time since they started school, we have a "5th grade orientation" before open house to help those parents know what their 5th grader's routine will look like. We escort our students and they are never mingled with the "big kids." This routine provides comfort for student and parent.

To keep parents informed I send home a daily communication log. It is a simple checklist with positive statements about the child's behavior. If something is not checked, parents know it was a problem!

I teach students with Autism and I do the welcome thing at the beginning of the school year. I use email and lots of phone calls home. I do a monthly newsletter as well. In addition, I will text parents, if they want, with pictures or texts of special moments. I do a monthly scrapbook page or two at the end of the month, and send the scrapbook home at the end of the year.

We are asked to send home a weekly newsletter, but I also make 4 phone calls home a week. I randomize it. I have found that parents are not just hearing from me because it is a negative call, but can look forward to just hearing from me what is going on!

I give all my parents my email address so that they can contact me. They can also contact me by phone while I am at school. I am planning to send home a weekly homework/newsletter this year. I love your ideas. Thanks

I give my email and school phone number to every parent. I try to return all calls and emails the same day I receive them. I love the idea of a weekly newsletter/homework assignment sheet and plan to try that this year.

I love all these ideas! I use the VistaPrint business cards that have my email, school contact info, etc on them, and also use Remind101 regularly to keep my parents updated about due dates and upcoming tests and events. We also use Jupiter Grades as our online grade book and report card, and that offers a great parent notification for discipline reports. This way they are on file for the office and emailed home. I personally also use Class Dojo and their parent notification as well. We send regular newsletters home as well. Love all your ideas!

Each of my students has a B.E.E Binder (Bring Everything Everyday). It has a place for hw, lunch money, my personal information, class schedule, important class notes, and a communication log between parents and the teacher. I have used it for 2 years now and both my parents and I love it!

Our school does a monthly newsletter, and I also send home a weekly newsletter (I am a special ed teacher, so my students get newsletters from their homeroom teachers and me). We also have our Back to School Night and our Meet and Greet the day before school starts.

I send weekly newsletters with upcoming information. Students also use daily planners for homework and any teacher/parent communication as needed. As a big fan of "snail mail," my absolute favorite is to write little notes for students to find on their desks in the morning or after they come in from a special. Sometimes I will mail them home also. I try to be as specific as possible so that students know that I love and appreciate their efforts. I try to write to at least 3 students a week. The notes are intended to encourage the students themselves, but of course, they often bring them home to show Mom and Dad.

I used Remind 101 this year to send free text messages to parents concerning nightly homework and any special events. Parents without text service can receive the same reminder via email. It's free and does not use the teacher's personal email or cell phone number. I loved it!

This will be my first year in my own classroom, but as a long-term substitute, I sent home and/or blogged weekly newsletters, sent "good news" emails on a regular basis, and invited parents into the classroom. I plan to do all of those things again this year. I will also be using the magnet idea. Thanks!

Our school does a weekly newsletter that we modify for each teacher/grade level. each student has an agenda that can also be used as a communication tool. Next year I want to use RemindMe since many parents like text messaging.

Our school requires we send out newsletters at least once a month but I try to make it a habit to do them weekly. I give updates on big projects, include a picture, and try to add in random tips for home like ways to try our games/activities with the families or questions they can ask their kids to prompt conversations about school. I also make sure to list books and authors we are reading and recommend similar ones for home (I check the local library to make sure they have them to check out). The parents love the weekly peek into their child's preschool and it also helps me reflect a lot.KaylaThe Chalkboard Garden

I'm initiating and replying to individuals by email every day as needed and I send email newsletters weekly.I have a Weebly website and use its blog app almost every day to post photos of our activities.

As a grade, we send out a monthly newsletter with the goals for the unit, upcoming events etc. We also invite parents into our classroom once a month to have them learn a reading or math activity. They practice the activity with their child in the classroom :)

Weekly newsletters, daily sheets, texts, emails, phone calls...whatever it takes! I teach a group of K-2 students with Autism, and some are nonverbal, so my communication is essential. Parent's can't ask their child "How was your day?" and get a response a lot of times.

I send out weekly newsletters to keep parents informed. I also use Remind 101 to remind parents of important events. I have a daily behavior chart that I ask parents to initial. I also have a classroom blog that they can follow for up to date information.Lisa

I have a website that I update each with what we'll be doing in class that week as well as spelling lists. I've tried texting services, but I didn't have any parents interested. Sad, really. I also use a daily agenda where I require a parent signature. They can jot me notes and vice-versa. Works well, but I am always looking for new ideas. Love your blog & have been 'stalking' it for quite some time. You're ideas have been very helpful to me! -Alisa

My students and I use a classroom blog to keep parents informed of our daily activities and upcoming news. I also try to make 2 phone calls or emails each week just to tell parents about the good things their kids are doing.

I am a virtual teacher so I'm learning to adapt ideas out there from teaching in a brick and mortar class to the online world for my class. One thing I use to help keep me organized is OneNote from Microsoft. Love it!

I use my website created through Weebly to keep parents informed and to communicate important events, homework updates, etc. I like how I can now link up a google account to it so that I can change my google calendar and it automatically changes it on my website!KelliTales of a Teacher

I use our classroom webpage through weebly, parent vue through our online gradebook, weekly classroom newsletter and this year I'm planning to set up a private class instagram account for reminders and daily photos and such.

I have used a classroom website, emails, and phone calls. I am in a new school which is mostly Hispanic, so I need to adjust and figure out how I might communicate with mostly Spanish speaking parents and also homes with no computers.

I used Class Dojo last year, but I don't think my parents understood it well enough. I am going to use Celly this year to text with parents. I also have Teacher To The Core's Hey You! Reminders that I have ready to go when I need a reminder to send home.

I use my website to communicate with my parents every week. I update it once a week with everything that is going on in our classroom and I send an e-mail with a link to the website. That way there's no excuse for not checking the website.

I am lucky in that our school purchases agendas. Not only is it a wonderful tool to teach kiddos to be responsible in writing their "stuff" down, it also serves as a wonderful communication piece with parents!

I do the business card magnet, too! Our school purchases agendas for us that are good communication tools with parents, when they are looked at. I was interested in using Remind or even an Instagram but am unsure what the parent response would be. For teachers who use Instagram to communicate with parents, I'm assuming you create a separate one from your personal one? It's not that there is sketchy stuff on my personal one, it's just that there are pics of my kids on there, or the occasional glass of wine, etc., and I don't really want to share that with parents. I love it when I receive emails from parents, it's much quicker and easier for me to respond instead of phone calls, so I encourage that when meeting the parents. Thanks for all of your ideas! Have a great school year! :)

I post daily using our school website homework, classroom activities, volunteer openings, field trips, pictures of school events and classroom events (especially for those parents who can not attend because of work). One to one communication goes through email, note (in envelope), or phone call.

I send a weekly newsletter home on Fridays, also an email with the newsletter attached. Last year I also started using Remind and my parents LOVED it! So did I. Shared it with the rest of our staff and more plan to use it this year.

When I update my blog or send parents a weekly update, I leave a random "treasure hunt" item in it....something like "Email Miss Straus by tomorrow and your child gets...." It could be a pass, initials on the behavior board. The parents look for it. Sometimes I have something there and sometimes I don't.

I call each parent at the end of the first week to discuss their child's first week and see if they have any questions for me thus far. I send home newsletters each month. The students are required to keep agendas and I use them for messaging, positive affirmations and behavior updates.

I have a Wiki page that I update daily, and I keep a file box of postcards on my desk. At the beginning of each term, I teach (and then reteach) students how to address an envelope using the postcards, and then I try to send one with a POSITIVE note home each term. I know when I've reached a parent because that student's card is no longer in my box: )

The magnets are a great idea and I am going to definitely use them this year. We send home weekly news letters, daily notes in agendas, make at least three positive phone calls a week ( for those positive drops in the bucket), and rewards sent home!! Blogs are such a great way to share ideas!!

I send a lot of emails! I work at a Title 1 campus so many of my student's parents work jobs with irregular schedules so phone calls result in a ton of voice mails which results in lots of rounds of phone tag! My school also uses yellow communication folders that are sent home on Fridays and are to be emptied out and brought back on Monday, signed by a parent or guardian. We use ClassDojo too, but not all of my parents have an Internet connection to be able to see what their child lost or earned points for.

I would love to do a weekly newsletter this year and I have also been contemplating a video newsletter a couple times a month... I could start them off and my kids could take over. I'm sure I will have to jump through a million privacy hoops to make that happen, but I will see what I can do!

I am a 6th grade teacher and see 120 students in a day. It is extremely difficult to communicate with the parents often! I send weekly or biweekly emails to all the parents, and probably every day am sending about 5-10 individual e-mails to update parents on missing work, struggling students, or behavior issues.

We posted a weekly newsletter last year, but I think this year I'm going to have a classroom blog. I also let my parents know that I'm willing to meet with them whenever is best for them (and what fits into my schedule).

One of the things I have done and will TRY to do better this year is a weekly mass email along with my classroom website. I think when parents expect an update and we can do it on a regular schedule than the communication will become easier.

I set up an email list with all the parents' emails and send a weekly update in that manner - anyone with no email can receive a hard copy, but when they realize everyone else is on email, they usually find a way to get email! Works wonders :)

I use several methods.---Mass emails. I have parents' emails in a folder. I type the title of the contact folder and out goes the email. Thus, I not stuck typing 32 email address each time. This tool is handy for reminders such as field trips.---Website. I keep my homework, websites, files, and anything else that will be useful.--- Paper Memos. I do occasionally send them out or parent does not have access to electronic media.----Student Planners